Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Costa Mesa

Curry spots

A heavy craving for spice and aromatic heat is the only thing on the mind tonight.

Based on 542 Opinions
+539
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Meiji Seimen Costa Mesa image 1
Meiji Seimen Costa Mesa image 2
Meiji Seimen Costa Mesa image 3
View all
Udon noodle restaurant

Small, lively spot with cozy Japanese bar vibes and tight seating. Known for authentic handmade udon and soba that capture hometown flavors. Curry dishes shine with flavorful broth and options like crispy katsu and tempura chicken curry udon.

Curry dishes feature a flavorful broth that balances saltiness and thickness well. Options include katsu curry with crispy chicken and tempura chicken curry udon loaded with beef, onions, and chewy udon noodles.

People are saying

"The udon here is delicious and bouncy, just like in Japan."

"The soba noodles here are house-made and chewy."

"The curry udon broth is flavorful and not too salty."

Good to know

1

This dish is only available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and is limited to 10 servings each day during dinner.

2

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially during peak hours.

3

The restaurant operates on a wait list only, so arrive early to secure a spot.

02
Kagura Costa Mesa image 1
Japanese restaurant

Enjoy authentic katsu in a cozy, homey space with simple decor. Curry katsu shines with its warm, spicy sauce. Expect lively kitchen sounds adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

Curry sauce comes warm and spicy with a nice flavor. The curry katsu stands out as a delicious choice.

People are saying

"I think this tonkatsu is some of the best outside of Japan."

"The miso soup here is flavorful and rich."

"The pork katsu with curry was tender and crispy."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the strip mall, but spaces are small and tight.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The meal cost is around $20, including miso soup, rice, and small sides.

03
The India Cafe image 1
Indian restaurant

Small dining space with dim lighting and authentic Indian music creates a warm vibe. Extensive vegetarian and vegan options include large portions of fresh Indian and Nepalese dishes. Curries shine with wonderful sauces like jackfruit and spicy Vindaloo, balancing flavor and spice well.

Sauces on the curries are absolutely wonderful with options like jackfruit curry, mushroom and peas curry, and spicy Vindaloo. Goat curry offers a chewy texture while lamb curry comes with medium spice.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and perfectly spiced."

"I found the naan here to be the best I've ever had."

"I loved the flavorful mushroom and peas curry."

Good to know

1

They have lunch specials available for those working in the area.

2

The restaurant offers an extensive vegetarian menu with many options.

3

Expect a wait during peak hours when the restaurant is busy.

04
Pop Pie Co. image 1
Restaurant

Small pie shop shines with next-level pot pies and a relaxed vibe. Vegan yellow curry pie offers bold flavor and satisfaction. Bright sunlight and cozy seating create a lively, casual spot perfect for classic and unique savory tastes.

Frozen pies include Red Chile Pork, Classic Chicken Pot Pie, Steak Ale, and Roasted Veggies & Yellow Curry. The vegan curry pop pie offers strong flavor and satisfaction. The veggie yellow curry pie stands out among options.

People are saying

"The chicken pot pie here is unbelievably good."

"I enjoyed the great ice cream here."

"The vegan curry pop pie was so flavorful and satisfying."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult, especially on weekends due to nearby attractions.

2

The shop is open later than other pie spots in the area.

3

Coffee service ends an hour before closing time.

05
Andaaz Cuisine of India image 1
Indian restaurant

Indian restaurant serves authentic dishes with customizable spice levels in a peaceful atmosphere. Lamb curry offers rich, lasting flavor perfect for meal prep. Large portions come at reasonable prices, though loud tables can disrupt the vibe.

Chicken curry and lamb tikka masala come with rich flavors and pair well with rice and naan. Lamb curry stands out as especially flavorful and the curry keeps its taste well for meal prep.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really delicious and authentic."

"The Indian food here is delicious, especially the butter chicken."

"This curry is rich, authentic, and absolutely delicious."

Good to know

1

Lunch deals are available priced between $10 and $13.

2

The restaurant offers large portions that are reasonably priced.

3

The spice level of dishes is customizable to suit different preferences.

06
Gyutan Tsukasa U.S.A image 1
Japanese restaurant

Open-space seating in a lively food court offers a communal vibe with Showa-era Japanese street style. Charcoal-grilled beef tongue delivers authentic smoky flavor and tender texture. Slow-cooked beef tongue in rich curry sauce provides hearty portions with rice and pickled veggies.

Slow-cooked beef tongue appears in a savory Japanese curry sauce that is rich and flavorful. Portions are large and hearty, served with white rice and pickled veggies for a complete meal.

People are saying

"The beef tongue soup was delicious and perfectly seasoned."

"The beef curry here is rich, savory, and so good with rice."

"The authentic beef tongue is perfectly grilled and bursting with charcoal flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, and expect a wait of 30-45 minutes on weekends.

2

The price range is US$20-30 per person for a meal.

3

There is limited seating in the food court, which can lead to standing while eating.

07
Kanok Thai Bistro image 1
Thai restaurant

Cozy space with Thai-inspired decor offers a casual vibe perfect for quiet chats. Green curry shines with balanced spices, while Yellow Chicken Curry and Pad Thai bring home-cooked flavors. TVs showing games add a lively touch to the inviting atmosphere.

Green curry features a well-balanced blend of spices without overpowering coconut milk. Yellow Chicken Curry and Pad Thai also stand out with spot on flavors and a home cooked feel.

People are saying

"The Thai food here is fresh, flavorful, and amazing."

"The papaya salad and mango salad were delicious."

"The yellow chicken curry here is fantastic."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available for $12 per person.

2

Parking in the busy plaza can be difficult.

3

They offer both dine-in and takeout options.

08
Mitsuwa Marketplace image 1
Japanese grocery store

Indoor space mimics an authentic Japanese market with a lively atmosphere and a large food court. Curry udon is extremely delicious, and chicken cutlet curry is a popular choice. Crowds gather for standout dishes like beef tongue and ramen, adding to the bustling vibe.

Offers a variety of rice dishes including curry and katsu. Curry udon stands out as extremely delicious. Chicken cutlet curry is available at a Japanese restaurant inside.

People are saying

"This Japanese grocery store has a huge selection of authentic items."

"I loved browsing the food court and trying all the different stalls."

"I had the best curry I have had in a while."

Good to know

1

Parking can be chaotic, especially during peak hours.

2

The food court opens at 11am, offering a variety of dining options.

3

Unique Japanese products are available that are hard to find elsewhere.

09
Miyabi Tei image 1
Japanese restaurant

Fast-food style Japanese eatery offers quick service and reasonable prices in a hectic food court. Chicken cutlet curry shines with excellent flavor, though it can arrive cold. Limited seating suits a casual lunch break with daily specials like Katsu-Curry combos.

Chicken cutlet curry stands out with its excellent flavor. Daily specials include Katsu-Curry plates and combos with udon and katsudon, though the curry sometimes arrives cold.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, high quality, and plentiful."

"The katsudon here is the most authentic Japanese food I've had."

"I tried the chicken cutlet curry, and it was excellent."

Good to know

1

Miyabi Tei offers a variety of Japanese food options in a food court setting.

2

Expect to receive your order within 2 to 5 minutes.

3

They accept both credit cards and cash for payment.

10
Marugame Udon image 1
Udon noodle restaurant

Cafeteria-style spot offers handmade noodles in a lively, crowded space with generous curry portions like thick, savory Curry Nikutama udon. Loud modern music adds energy to the cozy mall vibe. Seating is tight but adds to the authentic feel.

Curry dishes feature generous portions and a balanced flavor that is not too salty. Options like Curry Nikutama udon come with a thicker savory sauce, sweet beef, and a soft egg.

People are saying

"The udon here is so good, perfectly chewy and flavorful."

"The soup here is savory and uniquely flavored."

"The curry udon here is phenomenal and perfectly balanced."

Good to know

1

Happy hours are Monday to Thursday from 2 to 5 pm.

2

The restaurant is located on the lower level of a large shopping mall.

3

Seating can be limited during busy hours, so arrive early.

11
Verde Restaurant image 1
American restaurant

Space blends modern elegance with nostalgic charm, featuring an elegant speakeasy and golf course views. Curry highlights earthy turmeric and pureed vegetables, with a unique vegetarian option priced at $27. Creative cocktails and inventive dishes create a lively yet refined atmosphere perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings.

Earthy flavors stand out with turmeric and pureed vegetables in the curry. The vegetarian curry is the only meat-free entree and costs $27 without rice.

People are saying

"I found the desserts here to be scrumptious and a home run."

"The cocktails are creative, crafted with care and perfectly balanced."

"The curry was earthy with pureed vegetable notes."

Good to know

1

They offer a multi-course Valentine's menu on Valentine's Day.

2

Verde Restaurant has a focus on fresh, sustainable, and locally sourced ingredients.

3

The menu includes many vegetarian and pescatarian options, along with meat dishes.

Discover more

Costa Mesa, California

Area guide
Loading Map...